Daily Devotional

A Ministry of the Kerwin Baptist Church

April 30, 2019

by Pastor Hawtree

BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 17

5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

This is a special exchange between God the Father, and His son, Jesus. I had a pastor friend tell me one time that this verse is an example to parents of THREE things that they should say to their child every day. I can’t say that I’ve done it every day, but I have tried to say it more frequently and I think it’s a good idea.

1. I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU
“This is my…Son.” God was letting everyone know that Jesus was His Son. I hope that our children know that we are thankful that they belong to us. I hope they know that we are thankful that they are in our home. I hope they know that we are thankful that we get to raise them, protect them, and love them. Today, make sure you let your children know that you are thankful that they are “your” children.

2. I LOVE YOU
“This is my beloved Son.” God wanted Jesus to know that He loved Him, and God wanted everyone else to know that He loved his Son. If God felt that he needed to say that to his son, should we not say that to our children. Maybe that is something that is difficult for you as a parent to say. Everyone is different, and everyone communicates differently. But your children need to know and hear you say that you love them. Make sure you tell them today.

3. I AM PROUD OF YOU
“In whom I am well pleased.” It’s a difficult job raising children. It is that fine line where you feel guilty if you’re not constantly instructing, then you feel guilty that you are constantly instructing. Where does mercy and discipline intersect? All I know is, we all need to be told that someone is proud of us. It is a natural, innate need in all of our lives. It’s important for children to know when they’ve done wrong, and to correct them for that. Make sure they know that you are proud of them. Make sure they know that they do not need to earn or perform in order for you to be proud of them. Make sure you tell them today that you are proud of them.